Nonprofit Overview

Mission: The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches, for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education (C.A.R.E.).
Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California who were concerned about threats to their local break, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 90 grassroots chapters worldwide

chapter assistance - this program developed training materials, trained and assisted with campaign planning, and facilitated the chapters in their grass roots activist works.

wa regional support - this program developed training materials, trained and assisted with campaign planning, and facilitated the chapters in their grass roots activist works in the wa region.

mid atlantic regional support - this program developed training materials, trained and assisted with campaign planning, and facilitated the chapters in their grass roots activist works in the mid atlantic region.

Community Stories

6 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

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Amazing work for our oceans. This non profit offers local chapters. Informative website that features all of their great work toward advocating for our oceans where supporters can add their voice. I have been a supporter for a few years and love the work that they do. Thank you Surfrider!

I came in to help with a logo design to Ban the Foam (a motion to ban styrofoam in areas of California) and I had a wonderful experience working with this organization. Surfrider has been behind many great motions to keep trash - especially plastics and foams that don't biodegrade - out of our oceans. They create a huge impact with a very small budget and lots of dedicated (and friendly!) volunteers.

I initially got involved with the local San Francisco chapter of Surfrider eight years ago to help redesign their website. I went on to be the chapter's volunteer coordinator and eventually the chairman. For beach lovers, surfers and ocean sports people, and anyone who understands the threat our oceans and coastlines is currently under, I can't think of an organization that is better at raising awareness on the issues that matter to me quite like Surfrider. This organization has mobilized members in hundreds of locales on hundreds of issues, and has proven an adaptable organization whose focus is both resolved to protect oceans and coastlines, but also whose campaigns are flexible enough to change with member inputs and the energy of the constituency. If you want to get involved in these issues, I'd challenge you to find a better platform to have your voice heard and see your ideas mobilized into supported action.

I grew up in Ocean City, MD. The Surfrider Foundation has a big presence in my town due to the high volume of tourists that are attracted to the beach during the summer months. The contribute to the success that Ocean City has in keeping the beaches clean and free of debris every day. The non-profit that has been established is extremely beneficial to everyone in the community, not just beach-goers and people who surf.

Growing up on the Florida coastline I learned of the importance of a clean and healthy waterway system. Now that I have moved to the west coast, Surfrider is still here to make sure that we have a balance between industry, lifestyle and clean water. I have often promoted the work surfrider does to my friends and associates. As a Conservative Republican, one may not link my political interests with my environmental protection...but let me assure you surfrider has the ability to reach every person of all backgrounds and beliefs because clean beaches, coastlines, and water is important to everyone on the planet.
They use many tools to reach out and communicate to their members, and beach cleanups and civic meetings are always well populated. I make it a point to do as much as I can for surfrider, because I want them to as much as they can to adhere to their mission.

How many non profits can say that they have helped stop a massive toll road project that was proposed to run right through one of the most historic surf spots in So. Cal? Now, they are rallying the members to speak out against more offshore gas and oil drilling. Hooray Surfrider Foundation!!!